Tag Archives: Brunel Crime Investigation Team

Wiltshire Police has signed a contract with Securitas for the security solutions specialist to provide a dedicated service guarding major crime scenes in Wiltshire. The contract is effective immediately.

“Protecting the scene of a major crime is an integral part of an investigation, ensuring that evidence isn’t disrupted, destroyed or contaminated,” said T/DCI Jeremy Carter from the Brunel Crime Investigation Team.

“It’s important for the senior investigating officer in the Major Crime Investigation Team to know that Securitas will respond immediately when called upon, and that its security officers are capable of securing a crime scene very quickly anywhere within Wiltshire.”

Carter added: “By outsourcing the guarding function, we’re able to release police officers from that work to front line policing and, in turn, reduce costs.”

Contracting out the guarding of major crime scenes has been tried and tested by all other forces in the South West, where such a move has been found to be a highly effective way of securing evidence and preventing contamination or interference at the scenes of crimes. It’s likely that the service will only be used when there’s a need for protracted guarding solutions.

Concentration on primary roles

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Mike Veale said: “We regularly review our services to make sure that we offer the best value for money for the public. This contract will free officers to concentrate on their primary roles rather than guarding. There are no ongoing costs to Wiltshire Police other than the actual use of the service when attending a crime scene.”

Securitas’ security officers are vetted and appropriately trained to high standards. They can be clearly identified at crime scenes by their Securitas branded uniforms.

“Modern day policing requires a different approach, as the pressure to more effectively manage costs and resources must be balanced against increasing levels of threat and incidents that require police forces to be at their optimum strength,” said Michael Clancy, chief commercial officer and executive lead for UK policing at Securitas UK.

“Adopting a partnership approach with Wiltshire Police, our crime scene guarding service can quickly provide fully and specifically trained, accredited and professional protective services officers to maintain the critical security of a crime scene. Thanks to this solution, Wiltshire Police has been able to release its police officers back to valuable front line policing duties at a significantly reduced cost and while maintaining the high standards expected of the police service.”